Using a treadmill is one of the most popular ways to exercise, but many people only adjust the speed and neglect the incline feature. According to a study published in the "Journal of Sports Science and Medicine," setting the treadmill incline to 3% reduces the impact on the legs by about 24%. Slightly inclining your body can further reduce joint pressure while increasing the intensity of your workout.

Why Incline Walking Burns More Calories

1. Enhanced Workout Intensity: Adjusting the treadmill incline is an excellent way to increase workout intensity without adding more time or speed. Higher inclines burn more calories than flat surfaces. For example, jogging for an hour burns about 400 calories, while walking at a 10% incline can burn more calories than jogging on a flat surface.

2. Efficient Calorie Burn: Walking at an incline engages more muscles, especially the hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, and calves. This helps in better fat reduction and muscle toning. A 200-pound person walking 1 mile at 4 mph burns 113 calories on a flat surface. The same person running 1 mile at 6 mph burns 151 calories. Increasing the incline can significantly boost calorie burn.

3. Practical for Busy Lifestyles: With limited time and various constraints like bad weather, a treadmill offers a convenient solution for consistent exercise. Incline settings ranging from 0-10% can enhance your workouts by challenging larger muscle groups, providing better cardiovascular and strength training.

4. Improved Muscle Engagement: Walking on an incline helps shift your body weight, reducing the pressure on your hips, knees, and ankles. This is particularly beneficial for those looking to burn more calories without the high impact of running.

5. Better Aerobic Training: An incline of just 1% on the treadmill can simulate the natural conditions of outdoor running. It activates more stabilizing muscles, helping you maintain balance and posture, leading to a more effective workout.

How to Use the Treadmill Incline Effectively

1. Gradual Warm-Up: Start with a 5-minute warm-up at 3 mph and a 2% incline to get your muscles ready. Gradually increase the incline and speed based on your fitness level and workout goals.

2. Correct Form: Keep your back vertical and avoid leaning too far forward. This helps prevent lower back pain and ensures that your muscles are engaged correctly.

3. Use Preset Programs: Many treadmills come with preset programs that vary speed, resistance, and incline. These programs can help you burn more calories and achieve your fitness goals more efficiently.

4. Monitor Your Progress: Most treadmills have a calorie counter to track your progress. Make sure to input accurate information, such as your weight, to get precise calorie burn estimates.

5. Incline Training Benefits: Incline walking can stretch your Achilles tendon and calves, which is beneficial for those with foot issues like plantar fasciitis. However, if you experience increased back pain, reduce the incline and strengthen your back muscles with additional exercises.

6. Structured Workouts: For a balanced routine, mix incline walking with flat surface running. For example, a 20-minute workout can include intervals of 2 minutes walking at a 10% incline followed by 1 minute at a flat surface.

Conclusion

Incorporating incline walking into your treadmill workouts can significantly enhance your fitness results. By adjusting the incline, you can increase calorie burn, engage more muscles, and reduce joint impact. Whether you're aiming for weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, or muscle toning, using the treadmill incline is a smart and effective way to reach your goals.